ITEM: 5.4 New Business Jim Kappelhoff
Title
RECOMMENDATION FOR THE TRAIL LOOP ESTABLISHMENT AND CONTINUED OPEN SPACE IMPROVEMENTS IN AQUATORE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,250.00 FROM THE PARK FUND.
Background
At the 2011 June Meeting the Park Board recommended funding for vegetative restoration and invasive species control at Aquatore Park. The total cost of restoration for this 4.2 acre parcel was $3,850. The project was a shared cost of $1,925 expenditures from both the Open Space Fund and Park Fund. The buckthorn removal project was initiated in early 2012 that removed most of the smaller buckthorn trees. One follow up herbicide spraying was conducted in August/September of 2012.
As part of the Open Space Management Plan, City Council requested staff obtain quotes to continue improving the open space and establish a trail loop in the same 4.2 acre woods. Three proposals were received and the lowest was from Prairie Restorations. The proposal includes:
· Removal of undesirable trees from the Oak woodland, mainly box elder and remaining buckthorn.
· Clean up of the forest floor including cutting and chipping of the materials to be used in the trail establishment.
· Install a trail loop starting in the southwest corner, looping through woods and return to the starting point. Map of the proposed trail is attached.
· Trees cut and removed are treated with an herbicide preventing future re-growth.
· The work will be started this winter and completed by spring of 2013.
The total cost of the project is $12,500 and has been recommended by the Natural Resource and Conservation Board (NRCB). The NRCB is requesting the Park Board split the cost, resulting in $6,250 expenditures from both the Open Space Fund and Park Fund. The NRCB and Park Board did agree in 2011 that even though this area is in Aquatore Park it not used for recreational use and fits better in open space area criteria.
Recommendation
By motion, recommend the City Council approve the trail loop establishment and continued open space improvements in Aquatore Park in the amount of $6,250.00 from the Park Fund.